View audio waveforms and spectrums

In
the Waveform Editor, the Editor panel provides a visual representation
of sound waves. Below the panel’s default waveform display, which
is ideal for evaluating audio amplitude, you can view audio in the
spectral display, which reveals audio frequency (low bass to high
treble).

To view the spectral display, do either of the
following:.

In the toolbar, click the Spectral Display button.

In the Editor panel, drag the divider between the
waveform and spectral displays to change the proportion of each.
To instantly show or hide the spectral display, double-click the
handle or click the triangle to its right.

Viewing the waveform and spectral displays

A.
Drag the divider to change the proportion of each. B.
Click
the triangle to show or hide the spectral display.

To identify specific channels in stereo and 5.1
surround files, note the indicators in the vertical ruler.

About the waveform display

The waveform display shows
a waveform as a series of positive and negative peaks. The x‑axis
(horizontal ruler) measures time, and the y‑axis (vertical ruler) measures
amplitude—the loudness of the audio signal. Quiet audio has both lower
peaks and lower valleys (near the center line) than loud audio.
You can customize the waveform display by changing the vertical
scale and colors.

With its clear indication of amplitude changes, the waveform
display is perfect for identifying percussive changes in vocals,
drums, and more. To find a particular spoken word, for example,
simply look for the peak at the first syllable and the valley after
the last.

About the spectral display

The spectral display shows a waveform
by its frequency components, where the x‑axis (horizontal ruler)
measures time and the y‑axis (vertical ruler) measures frequency.
This view lets you analyze audio data to see which frequencies are most
prevalent. Brighter colors represent greater amplitude components.
Colors range from dark blue (low‑amplitude frequencies) to bright
yellow (high‑amplitude frequencies).

The spectral display is perfect for removing unwanted sounds,
such as coughs and other artifacts.

Determines the Fast Fourier transform shape. These functions
are listed in order from narrowest to widest. Narrower functions include
fewer surrounding frequencies but less precisely reflect center frequencies.
Wider functions include more surrounding frequencies but more precisely
reflect center frequencies. The Hamming and Blackman options provide
excellent overall results.

Spectral Resolution

Specifies the number of vertical bands used to draw frequencies. As you increase resolution, frequency accuracy increases, but time accuracy decreases. Experiment to find the right balance for your audio content. Highly percussive audio, for example, may be better reflected by low resolution.

To adjust resolution directly in the Editor panel, right-click the vertical ruler next to the spectral display, and choose Increase or Decrease Spectral Resolution.

Decibel Range

Changes the amplitude range over which frequencies are displayed.
Increasing the range intensifies colors, helping you see more detail in
quieter audio. This value simply adjusts the spectral display; it
does not change audio amplitude.

Play Only Selected Frequencies When A Spectral Selection
Exists

Deselect this option to hear all frequencies in the same
time range as a selection.